About the song
David Bellamy’s “Old Hippie,” recorded by the Bellamy Brothers, is a poignant and timeless ballad that explores the complexities of aging, nostalgia, and societal change. Released in 1985, the song quickly became a country music classic, resonating with audiences of all ages.
The song centers around the unnamed title character, a man who has clung to the ideals and lifestyle of the 1960s hippie movement. Despite the passage of time and the shifting cultural landscape, he continues to embrace marijuana, listen to Woodstock-era rock music, and mourn the loss of John Lennon. The song delves into the challenges he faces as he grapples with the realities of aging and the societal expectations that have evolved over the years.
One of the most compelling aspects of “Old Hippie” is its exploration of the character’s experiences in the Vietnam War. Drafted at a young age, he was forced to confront the horrors of war and mature prematurely. This traumatic experience shaped his worldview and contributed to his desire to hold onto the carefree spirit of his youth.
As the song progresses, we witness the character’s gradual transformation. He begins to embrace healthier habits, such as jogging, and distances himself from the party scene. While he struggles with the changes around him, he ultimately recognizes the need to adapt and evolve.
“Old Hippie” is a powerful reminder that nostalgia, while comforting, cannot hold us captive. It is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to endure hardship, adapt to change, and find meaning in life’s journey. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its universal themes and its ability to connect with audiences across generations.
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Lyrics
He turned thirty-five last Sunday
In his hair he found some gray
But he still ain’t changed his lifestyle
He likes it better the old way
So he grows a little garden in the backyard by the fence
He’s consuming what he’s growing nowadays in self defense
He get’s out there in the twilight zone
Sometimes when it just don’t make no sense
Yeh he gets off on country music
‘Cause disco left him cold
He’s got young friends into new wave
But he’s just too frigging old
And he dreams at night of Woodstock
And the day John Lennon died
How the music made him happy
And the silence made him cry
Yea he thinks of John sometimes
And he has to wonder why
He’s an old hippie
And he don’t know what to do
Should he hang on to the old
Should he grab on to the new
He’s an old hippie
This new life is just a bust
He ain’t trying to change nobody
He’s just trying real hard to adjust
He was sure back in the sixties
That everyone was hip
Then they sent him off to Vietnam
On his senior trip
And they force him to become a man
While he was still a boy
And behind each wave of tragedy
He waited for the joy
Now this world may change around him
But he just can’t change no more
‘Cause he’s an old hippie
And he don’t know what to do
Should he hang on to the old
Should he grab on to the new
He’s an old hippie
This new life is just a bust
He ain’t trying to change nobody
He’s just trying real hard to adjust
Well he stays away a lot now
From the parties and the clubs
And he’s thinking while he’s joggin’ ’round
Sure is glad he quit the hard drugs
‘Cause him and his kind get more endangered everyday
And pretty soon the species
Will just up and fade away
Like the smoke from that torpedo
Just up and fade away
He’s an old hippie
And he don’t know what to do
Should he hang on to the old
Should he grab on to the new
He’s an old hippie
This new life is just a bust
He ain’t trying to change nobody
He’s just trying real hard to adjust, yeah he ain’t tryin’ to change nobody, he’s just…